Iceland is home to many incredible waterfalls, with powerful cascades and jaw-dropping surroundings. Here is our guide to the best waterfalls in Iceland.
You cannot say you’ve truly experienced Iceland unless you’ve visited some of the breathtaking waterfalls that are on offer. With huge cascades of water falling from astonishing heights, these natural wonders are a must. Here’s our guide to the best waterfalls in Iceland.
Gullfoss Waterfall
Gullfoss waterfall is located on the Golden Circle, one of the best road trips to take in Iceland. The view of this waterfall is from above, instead of below and unlike many of the other waterfalls you may have planned to visit, the water here looks like it is going underground. A visit here in the winter may even allow you to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights as they dance through the sky.
Svartifoss Waterfall
Svartifoss waterfall isn’t one of the biggest nor the most powerful, but its beauty comes from its striking formation. Surrounded by dark, hexagonal basalt columns, this waterfall inspired the design of the Hallgrímskirkja church in Reykjavik.
Glymur Waterfall
Glymur Waterfall is accessible only by taking a moderate hike through river crossings and a cave. The journey to the waterfall offers astounding views, but can be dangerous when there is snow on the ground. Glymur waterfall is the second tallest waterfall in Iceland and very popular among visitors, we’d recommend getting here early if you want to miss the crowds.
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Seljalandsfoss waterfall is a breathtakingly tall and narrow waterfall located on the south coast of the island. Less than a 2-hour drive from Reykjavik and close to the ring road, Seljalandsfoss is an easy journey to make. The key feature that makes this waterfall stand out is that it has a space behind it, where visitors can walk through, although this path may be closed off in winter when it is extremely slippery. This well-loved tourist hotspot is not to be missed, with many saying it is a highlight of the trip.
Skógafoss Waterfall
Skógafoss Waterfall is one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland, the cascade produces a huge amount of spray which means that rainbows are a common sight when the sun is out!
Take the steep climb to the rocky cliff at the top of the waterfall and you’ll be able to see the picturesque coastline of south Iceland. The waterfall at Skogafoss comes from two glaciers, Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull, which make it unique in formation. Skogafoss waterfall is a highly popular location, even more so since it was featured in the popular HBO show, Game of Thrones. You may even say it is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland!
Waterfalls in Iceland can be dangerous and although you may want to get a closer look, please ensure that you do not get too near to the edge as the surrounding areas can be extremely slippery and hazardous. It is also not recommended to try any sort of swimming in the areas around the powerful cascades.
Self tours around Iceland offer you the freedom to pick and choose the sights you see and the areas that you visit. Why not explore our range of cars and make sure that you are able to fill your itinerary with all the trips you desire.